- A partially digital defence is almost like a regular defence. The difference is that the opponents are not present in the room, but participate through Zoom. Everyone else who wish to take part need to be either physically present, or can watch the defence as it is streamed to the defence announcement website, or made available using Zoom webinar. Those watching the defence from elsewhere will also have the option of sending in questions to the third opponent (digital ex auditorio), or by writing them in the chat in Zoom (if webinar is being used).
- Two days before the defence you must take part in a practice defence with the candidate, the opponents, the chair of the committee and the defence technician. This is to test all the technical equipment and to make sure everyone are familiar with the routines during the defence. During the practice session you should spend some time explaining the regular procedure during a defence at UiO, and make the opponents aware of what is expected of them, how much time they have for questioning the candidate during the defence, etc.
- If the candidate decides to conduct the trial lecture live with the opponents in Zoom, you must be present for this.
- Together with the candidate and the chair of the committee you can enter the room in procession as you would normally do during a defence, as well as exit in procession at the end.
- During the actual defence (and the trial lecture if applicable) you must ensure the participants in the audience are not sitting too close together and that no more than the maximum number of people allowed inn the room are present.
- It is still your responsibility to moderate the defence and introduce the candidate and the opponents. Remember to also announce breaks once in a while, just like you would during a regular defence.
- Remember to speak into the microphone whenever you are to make an announcement, otherwise the opponents will not hear you.
- When either the first or the second opponent has finished asking their questions, you can open up the floor to the audience, offering the chance to serve as an opponent ex auditorio (the timing depends on the traditions inn your faculty). If anyone has sent in ex auditorio questions digitally, you or the chair of the committee must read out these questions.
- When the defence is finished and you have walked out in procession, you and the chair of the committee must meet privately with the opponents in Zoom, where the committee can discuss and decide on the fate of the candidate. This will take place in a smaller room nearby. The chair of the defence will bring a laptop for this. When the meeting is finished, you can return to the defence room and announce the verdict of the committee to the candidate and the audience. (Not relevant if you normally do not conduct such a meeting in your faculty).
- If technical issues occur that simply cannot be resolved right away, you must pause the defence until the issues can be solved. If it still cannot be solved, the defence may need to be called off and rescheduled.
- If you have any questions about digital defence, contact your faculty administration.
Responsibilities of the chair of the defence during a partially digital defence
The defence will still follow regular procedure as far as possible. In addition to your regular responsibilities during a defence, there are a few additional points that relate specifically to a partially digital defence.
Published Sep. 7, 2020 4:45 PM
- Last modified June 27, 2024 2:30 PM